Former President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday observed that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2016 electoral defeat was a divine arrangement orchestrated by God for a purpose.

The purpose of the defeat, the former President explained was to pave the way for Ghanaians to realise the inability of the President Nana Ado Dankwa Akufo-Addo's led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

This he said had paved way for Ghanaians not only to appreciate the NDC better, but also enabled the Party to take stock and re-organise itself to take the mantle of leadership in government in Election 2020.

Former President Mahama made the statement when he addressed branch executives, delegates and hundreds of supporters of the NDC at separate meetings at Kajaji, Kwame-Danso, and Atebubu in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

Former President Mahama is in the region to interact with delegates to canvass for votes for the NDC's forthcoming delegates' congress to elect a flag bearer to lead the Party in Election 2020.

The former President is among about 12 aspirants of the NDC who have declared their intention to contest for the flag bearership position and is being accompanied by some former envoys, Members of Parliament and former Ministers of state.

Former President Mahama explained that the NDC and Ghanaians in general had learnt great lessons from the 2016 electoral defeat, saying it was an NDC government that could better the socio-economic livelihood of Ghanaians.

He told the supporters of the Party that the branch executives were strong pillars and roots of the NDC, hence the need to strengthen them as the Party braced itself for victory in Election 2020 and therefore appealed to them to vote for him to lead the Party again, so that the NDC would have the opportunity to rule the country to alleviate their plight.